Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 86
Penelope's eyes gleamed with happiness as she showered Arabella with kisses, her arms wrapping around the baby with overflowing warmth.
"My adorable niece, did you miss your Aunt? Auntie Penelope misses you so much~" she said in baby talk, which made Arabella giggle as her cheeks puffed.
When Penelope went for Iñigo, the little boy frowned and tried to stop her from kissing him, but his small hands couldn't prevent her despite his determined effort.
"You're still skeptical about new people, Iñigo? Your Auntie is heartbroken. I've been missing you, and this is how you'll treat me? I changed your diapers so many times, I'm the one who taught your Mom how to change diapers back when she was panicking over every cry you made."
Her grievance didn't stop Iñigo from frowning. This little boy had always been alert around strangers. To trust new people, he had to bond with them for a few hours. Hence, his small hands were raised to protect his face, creating a tiny defensive shield that looked cute.
Penelope teased him a little before returning him to the stroller, patting his head gently.
"Penelope," Karlos greeted with a light smile.
"Hello, Karlos." Penelope returned the greeting. Being one of the people closest to Maya, she was still skeptical about Karlos. Penelope believed that Maya could do better. She was beautiful, smart, and had a bright future, considering she had just finished college, and Penelope had always envisioned Maya stepping into a better life.
Still, Penelope didn't want to judge the man harshly. Based on what she heard from Joseph, Karlos was a hardworking person, which made Penelope feel at ease.
"Let's go inside, Joseph's inyhe house too."
"How about Venus and Gavin?"
"They're still in school. They'll return at 4 p.m., and they'll be thrilled to see the twins when they come home."
Joseph and Penelope had two children who were in elementary school, both lively troublemakers who adored Maya.
"Sister, this is for you and the kids. Please take it."
"You shouldn't have to. I told you to prioritize yourself. You're spending so much money on building a house." Penelope looked at her sternly.
"Please, take it."
Maya passed the shopping bags to Penelope, leaving her no choice but to accept them. As much as Penelope missed Maya, she knew she couldn't visit often.
In fact, it was Penelope who had stopped Maya from visiting many times because Maya had twins to care for. Letting them travel by tricycle would be too much for the kids, as the cold wind was not good for them, especially in December. On top of that, walking was an even worse option.
Penelope actually didn't expect to see the family arrive in a Toyota truck.
"So what's the story about the car? You guys rented one?"
"That was a car from the villa we're currently living in. They let us use it."
"How much?"
"...100 pesos." Maya averted her gaze as she lied. They had paid about four times that amount. She didn't want to tell the truth because she also thought spending 400 pesos was a bit heavy. However, she knew that finding a car in their town was troublesome.
"100 pesos? Not that bad."
Penelope led them inside, glancing around to make sure the living room looked presentable.
As the family entered the house, Maya couldn't help but smile. The house had changed a bit, but it was still the place she remembered so clearly, with familiar scents and memories lingering in every corner.
"Joseph, Maya and Karlos are here," Penelope announced.
Joseph was smoking in the living room when he heard that Maya and Karlos had arrived with the twins. He quickly stopped smoking and turned on the fan to blow away the smoke, guiltily waving his hand as if that would help disperse the smoke.
"That's why I told you to stop smoking in the house." Penelope glared at Joseph intensely.
"Maya, let's take the twins to the store first, the air is better there. Perhaps they'd like cupcakes, fresh ones just baked and delivered this morning."
"You don't have to. I know those cupcakes are for sale."
"It's alright. My cute little niece and nephew rarely visit, and they deserve some nice treats."
The two women headed to the detached small room in front of the house, which was the store Penelope managed every day. The business wasn't bad, considering most neighbors bought items there daily.
Joseph glanced at the backpack and the box that Karlos was carrying.
"Did you bring it?"
"I did. I talked to the caretaker and she said it's alright. She even told me to bring more, but I don't want to overdo it."
"Then—" Joseph licked his lips. "I'll prepare the snacks and ice." He stood up and went to the kitchen, already excited at the thought of tasting something luxurious.
A few days ago, Joseph had asked Karlos about their situation in the new house they were staying in. Karlos explained that they were living in a villa near bay harbor.
Joseph was surprised and didn't expect that. He asked Karlos for more details, and eventually realized that the villa Karlos mentioned belonged to the Araneto family.
Joseph had lived his entire life in the town and knew about Araneto's contribution to building the bay harbor. Joseph was once a fisherman like his father, although he later shifted to delivering fish to the inland region. Unlike Maya, who was clueless about the political and historical connections in their town, Joseph was familiar with many stories passed down from the old fishermen.
Hence, he was shocked that Karlos somehow managed to live in the Araneto family's villa rent-free.
Karlos explained himself, though he didn't elaborate on how he helped the Araneto family. He only said that someone from the family owed him and let Karlos and his family stay in the villa for the time being.
Karlos also mentioned the infrastructure of the villa, including the wine cellar.
When Karlos talked about the wine cellar and how tasty the wine and champagne were, Joseph's interest immediately spiked. He told Karlos that if possible, he wanted to try some, even just a sip.
Because of that, Karlos talked to Mrs. Wanda to ask if it was possible to buy a bottle of wine. The caretaker simply laughed and said Karlos was allowed to take a bottle if he wanted.
Karlos felt guilty, so he asked Mrs. Wanda for the cheapest bottle in the collection. She pointed to a wine that cost 5,000 pesos… which, for Karlos, was expensive as fuck for alcohol.
Both Karlos and Joseph were alcoholics who loved trying something new. Joseph was more of a brandy guy, while Karlos leaned toward beer, but both shared the same weakness: curiosity when it came to alcohol.
---
[Author's Note:]
You can subscribe to my Patreon, where you can read:
49 advance chapters of Reincarnated as a Fisherman and Dad
67 advance chapters of Behind The Spotlight
Patreon link: http s://ww w.patreo n.co m/Puji_maki